Thursday 25th October 1755hrs AC Milan v Real Betis Football – Europe – Europa League After the first two rounds of fixtures, Group B is shaping up to be a battle between these two clubs as to who will qualify alongside leaders RB Salzburg who have beaten both Leipzig and Celtic already. This pair were competing in the group stages of the Champions League last season before ultimately dropping into this competition and Thursday’s game represents a big opportunity for one of them to steal a march on the other and get their noses in front for qualification to the knockout phase after Christmas. Continue reading for a match preview of RB Leipzig against Celtic and a selected best betting tip.
Leipzig reached the quarter final of the Europa League last season and will be looking to replicate that feat at least this time around. The Bundesliga outfit have not been hitting the heights domestically but they are still in fifth spot and will perhaps look on that as a positive as they’ve dropped a few points that they would have been disappointed in, but are still in touching distance of those Champions League places. Their Europa League campaign has been a mixture as well thus far with a 3-2 loss at home to fellow Red Bull club, Salzburg before getting on the board with a comprehensive 3-1 win away to Rosenborg last time out. It was a much needed win and sets them up for this double header against Celtic where you would expect a lot to be decided in terms of the outlook of the group. The build-up to this game has not been overly positive with the news that their main creative influence __ Forsberg has been ruled out with injury. No player in Germany’s top division created more chances than the Swedish midfielder achieved last year so his absence will be felt. On a brighter note it’s now six games undefeated in all competitions despite drawing 0-0 at the weekend.
At the outset of their European adventure back in July, Celtic would have been hoping that they would be contesting a Champions League fixture this week but they have had to make do with the lesser lights of the Europa League – but that’s not to say they have found it any easier. An injury time goal from Leigh Griffiths secured them a narrow win at home to Rosenborg on match day one before they were well beaten by a superior Salzburg side in Austria last time out. Despite taking the lead on that occasion, Brendan Rodgers men’s defensive deficiencies were once again apparent and once the first goal went in there was only every going to be one winner. Losing away to a team who reached the semi finals last year is hardly shambolic but Celtic continue to struggle on their travels in Europe and Thursday looks like being another test. Their chances have not been helped with James Forrest’s suspension, just as the winger was hitting form, whilst Scott Brown is a doubt through injury. As a team Celtic have to be much more disciplined without the ball and more assured when in possession – both were lacking in Austria and have been all too often.
RB Leipzig v Celtic Betting Tip
Leipzig are not the most popular of clubs in Germany due to benefiting rapidly from the vast sums of money injected by Red Bull but they are certainly prospering and it’s an indication of how far they’ve come that their current position of fifth is regarded as being below par. Their European history may pale in comparison to Celtic’s but they go into Thursday’s match as a big favourite to get the three points that would see them sit alone in second spot and put some pressure on Salzburg. Celtic, for all their dominance domestically, are still not able to put it together in Europe under Rodgers – particularly away from home. They are no strangers to playing in Germany recently, either, with visits to Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayern Munich. The latter disposed of them with ease but Celtic did take a point of ‘Gladbach and should have won it – a repeat of that would certainly be very welcome.
Celtic have not been helped with injuries heading into this one, with late call offs from Tom Rogic and Leigh Griffiths adding to their woes. It leaves them right up against it and with defensive cover also an issue, you have to fancy Leipzig to get a result at home. Take the hosts to win with over 2.5 goals in the game.
Selection: Leipzig to win and Over 2.5 goals 10/11 @ Betfair
